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Maybe its because there is snow on the ground where I am and its snowed the last two days — that I’m dreaming of spring and lush green pastures.

When it comes to turning your cattle out in the spring, it is critical to remember parasite control. Merial veterinarian Dr. Joe Dietrichson shares more about the benefits of using Merial’s unique parasite control LONGRANGE.

Deitrichson: “The THERAPHASE technology is the magic that makes LONGRANGE work. The active ingredient is eprinomectin the same that is in an eprinex pour on but with that THERAPHASE technology — that is gel matrix — when it hits the fluids under the skin it forms a gel matrix. Immediately you get a big boost which is two and half times higher than conventional products. Then it stays above that minimum level to kill worms for 100 to 150 days. But 170 to 177 days after injection, that gel matrix breaks-down into carbon dioxide and water. But when it breaks down, that gives you a second release of eprinomectin that puts your level up there about the same as a conventional injectable or pour-on effect. T.”

He reminds cow-calf producers that 90 percent of parasites or worms you deal with are on the grass. He says not to overlook protecting your cows.

Deitrichson: “They are still the main contaminator on pasture. So by de-worming the cow, you will reduce the contamination to the calf. So that cow dose is very important in increasing your weaning weights.”